New Delhi: Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, was the location for the five kilometre dream run involving the locals of the city. The run was flagged off at 6:30 in the morning and despite the heavy rainfall, many people turned up. Meanwhile, the second leg of the marathon started from Chikli at 9 am. The marathoners covered 14kms till 11:30am before they stopped for breakfast.

Despite the heavy downpour, the marathoners managed to complete 63km till the end of the day, 16th of the total 21.

Mohammad Kaif, former cricketer, applauded the spirit of the marathoners. “Since the weather is not helping the runners, it has become a tougher job for them but yes I salute their spirit”, he said.

“Such humid conditions are very harsh as you are sweating it out and don’t have much time for recovery and more than the food it’s water that matters especially when you run for longer period,” he added.

Sunday Guardian Sports Editor Saji Chacko said doing this for a long period of time is mind boggling. He also appreciated the enthusiasm of Milind Soman and said “he is 50-years on and not only running but inspiring the young generation of the country.”

Ritender Singh Sodhi, former cricketer, also added, “When you are running such huge distances, it needs spirit and heart of a lion which these runners have shown.”

NewsX-Pro Sportify ‘The Great India Run’ is a cross-country run which is witnessing 18 Indian and many international runners participating in a bid to create a new record for the fastest time, covering a distance of 1,480 kms in 21 days.